I don't always agree with Grant Petersen, but I suspect that he would be the first to say that this is not true. There have been a number of real innovations since the 70's and 80's that he sells. Certainly quality control is way up since those days. Lots of major improvements have come along in the last few decades, and Petersen wouldn't deny this. He also happens to think that a lot of garbage has been foisted upon cyclists in the last 30 years, stuff that is more about hype, stuff that is supposed to be better simply because it is newer, not because it is actually functionally superior. I happen to have different opinions about what falls into this category - for example, I think that indexed shifting is a functional improvement that has made cycling much more accessible to non-enthusiasts. I also happen to think that a lot of the problem is not with new technologies per se, but that the "go-fast" market has been driving the industry and guiding what is available for the majority of cyclists who aren't interest in the sporty, go-fast aspects of cycling. Clipless pedals, road bikes that are only available with aggressive racing geometries, super-light this and race-inspired that - these things are useful to a fraction of the people they've been pushed on. Fortunately, this is changing thanks in no small part to Grant Petersen and Rivendell's influence. The market has never been more diverse - this is a great time to be riding whether you're a BOB or an OCP.

What the heck is more "sound" about clipless pedals for the purposes of commuting or recreational cyclists? For most people, the investment frankly makes no sense.